Decision Virginia is the online home of NBC 12′s political coverage. NBC 12 is the number one news station in Central Virginia

11/01/2013

The race for Lt. Governor: a contrast in personalities

In the race for Lt. Governor, the two parties nominated candidates that couldn't be more different.

Dr. Ralph Northam is a soft spoken physician not prone to making waves. His opponent Bishop E.W. Jackson is a charismatic pastor, who seems to go out of his way to make an impression.

Their campaign has been controversial and as a result it could be the one race that we learn the results to relatively early.

Here is my profile on both candidates for NBC12:

RICHMOND (WWBT)- It has been one of the most controversial races of the 2013 campaign. The
race for Lt. Governor features a quiet state senator against a charismatic
pastor. Their war of words has made for an interesting campaign.

These two candidates couldn't be more different. The race has turned into a
mandate on the republican, Bishop E.W. Jackson and his controversial past
statements.

His opponent- Dr. Ralph Northam has just tried to stay out of the way.

Before he was a candidate, jackson was a popular- but controversial pastor in
Chesapeake- who preached very directly on issues like abortion and
homosexuality.

Statements he has tried to convince voters to not tie to his campaign.

"I'm not running to be the minister of Virginia," he said. "I'm running to be
Lt. Governor of Virginia."

His opponent Ralph Northam- a pediatric neurologist from Norfolk- is one of
those making sure voters understand exactly everything Jackson has said.

"We don't need people with this rigid ideology that just say no to
everything," Northam said.

Northam and Jackson differ greatly on issues like abortion and gay rights.
But both claim it will not be their focus if elected.

"I would have to say the top issue has to be the economy," said Jackson.

Northam agreed.

"The main objective is to have people wantin' to come to Virginia and have
their business and that's what puts revenue into our coffers," he said.

Despite all their many differences, when it comes to touting their ability to
govern- Jackson and Northam seem to say very similar things.

"I've been a unifier and uniter my entire life," said Jackson.

"Whenever there is a piece of legislation that is good for Virginia it's done
through compromise that is my reputation in the senate," said Northam